Camellia

The
Camellia (or Camellias) is the name
given to a flowering plant genus. They are mostly considered
shrubs, but larger specimens are considered small trees.
Camellias are the state
flower of Alabama, even though they are native to
southern Asia. Their native range extends from the Himalayan
mountains to Indonesia and Korea.

How many Camellia plants are there?

As mentioned, the Camellia name specifies the genus,
and not the plant itself. The exact numbers are continually
in debate, but it is estimated that there are anywhere
from 100 to 250 separate species of Camellias. The most
commonly known ornamental species is the Japanese Camellia,
and the most commonly used species is the Tea Plant.

What do Camellias look like?

Camellias are evergreen shrubs (or small trees), and
can grow to heights of 20 meters. Camellia flowers
range from white to shades of pink and red. Yellow flowers
have also been seen. They grow to sizes ranging from
1 to 12 cm in diameter. In naturally occurring species
(not hybrids), Camellia flowers have five to nine petals.
The thick leaves of the Camellia shrubs
are 3 to 17 cm long, serrated and are normally glossy.